The Provincial government says it’s renewing its mandate to support long term care (LTC) homes in need.
This will include ensuring complete infection control, appropriate staffing levels, testing for Covid-19 amongst residents and staff and ensuring needed protective equipment is present.
But, today Premier Doug Ford admitted that more regulations will be needed to ensure safety for LTC residents.
“We can pull their license. then they won’t have a home to worry about,” he answered, when asked how he would hold the companies and corporations accountable when they assume new control of the GTA LTC homes that were identified in a damning military report earlier this week.
On the positive front, the Province reports that since May 1st, the number of low-risk homes have increased from 356 to 547, while the number of high-risk homes has reduced from 35 to 19.
The number of Covid-19 positive tests in long-term care homes has also decreased from 12.5% to 7.5%.
Ford’s government says that as of today, 129 out of 626 long-term care homes are in active outbreak, down from a high of 190 on May 18th. 164 of the outbreaks have been resolved.
“We will do whatever it takes in our power to protect our most vulnerable seniors and assure they get the care they deserve,” pledged Ford. “That is my commitment to our LTC residents, the staff who care for them, their families and the people of Ontario.”
This week the Province appointed temporary management at seven homes since the damning military report about them was issued, plus, inspections and random spot checks are happening throughout the system.
Ford has also moved up the promised independent commission into LTC homes to July.
We are taking action in our long-term care homes. Effective immediately we are starting the process of appointing temporary management of 5 homes and launching robust and detailed inspections in high-risk homes across Ontario. We will do whatever it takes to protect our seniors. pic.twitter.com/0nxrdpQoHc
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) May 28, 2020
To watch Premier Doug Ford’s full May 28th address, see below.
https://www.facebook.com/FordNationDougFord/videos/3260677717283873/